Mark Joseph Habell

Mark Habell, a San Gabriel native and beloved brother and friend passed away peacefully and comfortably in his sleep on April 24, 2009 after a year long illness. He was preceded in death by his father Philip F Habell and his mother Frances B Habell. He graduated from SS Felicitas & Perpetua Grammar School in San Marino, California; Don Bosco Technical Institute in Rosemead, California and from The University of Portland in Portland, Oregon and obtained his California Teaching Credentials through post graduate studies. He was a dedicated Educator and worked for LA County Department of Parks and Recreation continuously for the past 39 years where as a Pool Manager, CPR Instructor and Water Safety Instructor he was revered among those that he worked with and influenced. In 1979 he was recruited by the American Singapore School in Singapore to be their Aquatics Director and as a consequence served in that capacity for the next 19 years. During his tenure he supervised the building of two separate pool facilities as well as created the entire Aquatics Program from the ground up (twice). He also served as a Teacher of History, English or Health classes whenever needed. Since both careers happened simultaneously, Mark became a prolific world traveler for 20 years and while spending nine months a year in Singapore and three months a year in San Gabriel, he actually circumvented the globe in both directions several times. Whether he was hot air ballooning over the Sahara Desert, climbing the Great Pyramid (to the top), or cruising in a surplus military converted landing craft up the Mekong River, Mark looked for and absorbed a tremendous amount of cultural experiences all of which he unselfishly brought to his career as an Educator. Mark’s career choices and travel experiences brought continuity to his life and he was allowed to pass on to the next life on the exact same street where he was born and raised. He loved living in the San Gabriel Valley even after all of his travels might have tempted him elsewhere and his main reason can be encapsulated in his special love for all of the people he worked with in the LA County Parks and Recreation system. Known for his strongly Christian gentleness and tolerance in all aspects of life, he will be sorely missed. Mark is survived by his siblings and their families: Diane Habell Jower, Phlip Habell, Greg Habell, Blaise Habell, Basil Habell, Vincent Habell, Kevin Habell and Marcia Habell Leisure; also by his Uncle Gerald Sharp, by his cousins Martin Habell, Ron Schmidt, Jay Schmidt, Ken Corley, Charles Apple, Joe Apple, by his nephews Cole Jower, Kai Jower, Ian Habell, Basil Habell, Max Leisure, Jack Leisure, by his nieces Chelsea Habell, Sheena Habell, Monica Habell, Germaine Habell, Elizabeth Habell, Lauren Leisure.